I stood in the yard waiting for the ambulance. Light from the windows and door of our house flooded onto the dark lawn. It was 3:00 a.m., and I’d done what you’re supposed to do when your husband wakes you up to tell you he feels numbness and tingling down the entire left side of his body. I’d called 911.
I was doing the best I could to hold onto bravery. But the 911 team confirmed my fears. My husband was probably having a mini-stroke, but he was stable enough for me to drive him myself to the big regional medical center.
Thirty minutes later we walked into the ER, where they immediately ushered Jose into an emergency care room. My courage started to crumble as I sat next to that hospital bed. Tears overflowed and worry set in. His smile had a slight droop, and he said his left leg felt heavy. What was going to happen? How were our kids going to react when they woke up and found us gone?
Then kindness walked into the room.
“Hi, my name is Sarah. I’ll be your nurse. I’m going to ask you some questions, and we’re going to do some tests over the next couple of hours. You let me know if you need anything. Okay?”
“Hi, my name is Michele. I’m a technician. Do you need anything right now?”
“My name is Rob, and I’m a neurologist. How are you doing?”
With each person who smiled at us and made eye contact, that cold scary hospital became a little more human, and a bit more inviting.
My fear subsided as I sensed God whispering reassurance to me through the quiet, friendly care of the staff.
Kasey chatted with us in a cheerful tone as she wheeled my husband to his room on the third floor of the stroke hospital. Everyone who came in had a smile and a kind word for us.
“Hi, my name is Daniel. I’ll be your nurse until 7:00, but I’ll come in and introduce you to Tim before I leave. Can I get anything for you?”
Kindness took the sting out of being in the hospital.
Thirty-six hours later we walked out, grateful for Jose’s recovery and for the MRI which showed no permanent stroke damage. We were amazed by the graciousness of each doctor, nurse, and cleaning crew member.
Sarah, Daniel, and Tim, I don’t even know you, but for a few hours I saw Jesus in you. Through your words and smiles, Jesus offered hope and encouragement to me when I needed it.
What a difference simple kindness can make, even on the worst days, the 911 days that start at 3:00 a.m.
Kindness is a gentle demonstration of God’s grace to us, and it’s a powerful way to share His grace with others.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” {Colossians 3:12}
When we put on kindness, we look a little more like Jesus. We put hands and feet to this Gospel of Grace. Who needs to see Jesus on our faces and hear Him in our words today? Who needs to feel His touch through our hands?
Maybe a co-worker, a friend, or a neighbor that just moved in next door. Maybe it’s that little guy sitting on the couch next to you at home, the one driving you crazy. Maybe it’s the woman behind you in line at Starbucks, the one holding back tears.
Let’s be on the lookout. Who can we encourage through a simple smile, a pat on the shoulder, or a word of encouragement?
Seeing a little bit of Jesus just might turn their day around.
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Related: Tell someone how much their kindness has meant to you with these beautiful thank you notes!
Leave a Comment
Tami says
I liked this! Simple, practical…I ran over to your blog to find more–glad to meet you!
Betsy Cruz says
Thanks for stopping by today, Tami. Blessings.
Lisa Appelo @True and Faithful says
Love this, Betsy! Especially as I now have a daughter who’s an ICU nurse. This should be the trademark of every believer.
Betsy Cruz says
Thanks, Lisa. I’m actually thinking of sending this link down to Baylor Medical Center’s emergency room. Those guys were AMAZING and I still haven’t thanked them.
Lisa Appelo @True and Faithful says
It would probably make their day, Betsy!
Kim S says
Betsy! Love seeing your beautiful words here today, you by far are the kindest person I know. I feel for your experience here but I love how you were so blessed by such caring people who were Jesus to your husband and yourself. LOVE YOU!
Betsy Cruz says
Thank you, Kim, for your words of encouragement. It’s amazing how you can see God’s hand at work and find something to be grateful for, even in the worst situation.
Kathryn Shirey says
What a beautiful reminder how simple it can be to show love and be Jesus to the people we encounter through our day. How wonderful you had so many encourages that morning to help you through a difficult and frightening experience!
Betsy Cruz says
It was really amazing, Kathryn. That hospital OBVIOUSLY trains their people well. I was so impacted and encouraged to remember to pass on that kindness to others as well.
Susan Burfoot Mead says
When we put on kindness, we look a little more like Jesus. Powerful reminder to be kind as we don’t know who needs it. Some days it’s me! Hugs Betsy. Your words are eloquent – I hear Jesus whispering in them.
Betsy Cruz says
Thanks for your encouragement, Susan. So true that we can’t always tell on the outside how much people may need a word of encouragement or a kind gesture. Let’s be his hands and feet today.
Kristi Woods says
Love this, Betsy. Your words are very real to me today, as I’ve been on the receiving end of kindness recently. Those offerings of a gentle word or action make all the difference. So thankful Jose is okay.
Betsy Cruz says
Oh Kristi! Friend, with all you’ve got going today, I can’t BELIEVE you took the time to read this post. Thank you. I’m sending up a prayer for you now.
Abby says
Betsy, what a joy it is to see you here today. I praise God he showed up for you during a time I know was scary and overwhelming. When we look for him, he is there. What a beautiful word. Thank you.
Betsy Cruz says
It’s amazing, Abby, how we see God at work in the most difficult of circumstances. He’s always there, but we overlook Him so often. Blessings on your day, dear Abby.
Kristi says
I love this, Betsy! Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us all how someone’s it’s the little things that are actually the Big Things. Sometimes it’s the mundane, seemingly small acts of kindness that shout God’s love the loudest.
I’m glad your husband is okay!
Betsy Cruz says
Thank you, Kristi. Yes, those little things can shout loud, can’t they. I want to remember that today.
Jennifer D. says
Thank you for sharing this. I shared this with my nursing students this morning as a way that we can be the hands and feet of Christ. We don’t often realize that just a smile, kind word, or simple touch can mean so much to someone. I loved your post.
Betsy Cruz says
So glad you shared this with nursing students, Jennifer. I pray it encourages them today. I want to send this to the emergency staff of Baylor Medical Center in Dallas later on today. Their service was stellar.
Jennifer D. says
I know they would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Brenda says
Betsy, what a treat to see you here today. Lovely post. 🙂 Glad to hear that your hubby is okay. ((hug))
Betsy Cruz says
Thank you, Brenda! It was a relief that he was okay. I hope that you’ll have a good day today, that you’ll receive some kindness and pass some on too! 🙂
Marty says
LOVE THIS! 🙂
Lois Flowers says
I was so happy to see your name pop up here today, Betsy! I’ve been on the receiving end of such kindness many times, both as a patient and as a concerned loved one. You’re absolutely right … it makes a huge difference in stressful or painful situations (in or out of the hospital). And your “next step” is perfect: “Let’s be on the lookout.” Yes!
Betsy Cruz says
I’m on the lookout myself today, Lois. I’m always challenged by what I write. I remind myself, especially when the going gets tough: “will I put this into practice?” Yes, kindness can make a huge difference in difficult situations.
Michele Morin says
Betsy! I loved finding your words here, and appreciate your reminder that we are the hands and feet — even the smile — of Jesus in our every day interactions. Also, very thankful that the story ended well for you and your husband!
Betsy Cruz says
I love that, Michele! We can be the smile of Jesus! I think those are your words, not mine, but they are good! Gonna remember that when I smile at people.
Linda Stoll says
Just plain cool to visit with you HERE today, Betsy! What a very serendipitous kickoff to this week …
😉
Betsy Cruz says
Oh Linda, you are a gem and an encourager yourself!
Joanne Peterson says
Betsy, I saw this when my favorite uncle was in the hospital with congestive heart failure, empathy and kindness from everyone who had any contact with my uncle and with us. It is a true gift and blessing. Lovely post. Joanne
Betsy Cruz says
I’m so glad you also had the best possible experience in what was otherwise a very difficult situation, Joanne. Thanks for your encouragement. Blessings on your day.
Rebecca Jones says
What a wonderful post! No doubt kindness and the calm came from Jesus. It always does. I drove my mother to the emergency room twice in one day with a severe nose bleed. I was singing praise to myself all the way. As I waited, an older lady came out, I asked if she felt better to which replied, “A little. ” So I said, “You’ll be alright. ” to be as positive and reassuring as possible. Her face lit up! See suddenly believed it! And my mother was fine too. He’s there in our worst moments. I’m glad your husband was alright.
Betsy Cruz says
Glad you could reach out that the older woman at the emergency room, Rebecca. God is certainly there for us in the worst moments! (and in the good too! 🙂 )
Beth Williams says
Betsy,
Praise God your husband is healthy and no permanent damage! My hubby is a CT technician and works in a local hospital. He works long hard days, but still manages to be kind to the patients. He realizes they could be scared of the diagnosis!
I have been on the receiving end of kindness also. Last year my (90 yr old) dad was in ER 3-4 times and just yesterday was back again (falls mostly). Each time the people were nice to us. I always say thank you before leaving!!
I am always on the look out as to who and how to be kind to people. Some easy ones are sending cards, emails, etc. I also cook for people when they have family sick in hospital. Smiling and saying hello and thank you work well also!
Blessings to you and yours 🙂
Betsy Cruz says
Those are great ideas for practicing kindness to others, Beth. May the Lord bless and strengthen your husband for his work and ministry! I had no idea people in an ER could be so nice and reassuring…I’m in the US for just 9 months, but I usually live in Turkey, where people in the ER are not quite so kind. (I do love many other things about being there though.)
Barbie says
A simple showing of kindness can certainly make enduring the hardest of times easier. So thankful it all turned out okay.
Betsy Cruz says
I was thankful too, Barbie. Thanks for being here today, friend. I’ve missed you. Haven’t popped into your blog as much lately.
Bethany McIlrath says
Oh, Betsy! What a rough night. I’ve been there too -all too familiar. But kindness walked in the room for my husband and I plenty, too. What a blessing and encouragement!
Betsy Cruz says
Thanks so much Bethany! I’m glad you’ve seen kindness walk into your life too. (It’s Jesus, really, isn’t it?)
Samantha Landrus says
So simple, yet so easy to get lost in the moment. Here’s to living with intention in every moment of life!
Betsy Cruz says
Amen, Samantha! I want to live intentionally! So easy to forget simple kindness.
Christy Mobley says
So true Betsy. Kindness, a fruit of the Spirit, one that whispers Jesus. Beautifully written.
Betsy Cruz says
Thank you Christy. May our lives whisper Jesus to others today.
Dianne Strangmeier Thornton says
I love this story, Betsy. I’ve been there, too. I’ve had both kind and not-so-kind hospital staff. Kindness makes all the difference. Not just in the hospital. Yes! How I want my branches to be heavy with this fruit! Visiting from the linkups!
Betsy Cruz says
Yes, Dianne. You wrote about kindness today too, didn’t you? Faith without works is dead. Kindness does make all the difference. Everywhere. I agree. May our branches be heavy!
Mary says
Your words have special meaning today as I just was with my dad in the ER this past Saturday. He also was admitted to the hospital but there is nothing like a caring hospital staff that can see you through the scariness and sterileness of a hospital. Thank you!
Betsy Cruz says
Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your Dad, Mary. Is he okay? Grace to you and healing to your father.
Julie Lefebure says
What a beautiful testimony of the love of Jesus displayed by others. May I be quick to do the same. Thanks, Betsy. So proud of you!
Betsy Cruz says
Thanks for your kind words, Julie. I want to be quick to do the same myself!
Kathy/holyvacationqueen.com says
I’m so happy to hear your husband is okay! All I kept thinking of was angels when you wrote about all the health care workers soothing your fears!! I wrote today about kind people..your blog adds more to the kinds of people who walk humbly and gently on this earth to greet us in our struggles!
Betsy Cruz says
Thanks so much for your kind words about my hospital blog post. God does put angels in our path. Blessings to you and your family, Kathy.
bluecottonmemory says
When we look – we can find God in the challenge – just like you did. It’s hard being the only one in the hospital – waiting. I’m so glad God sent his people for you, to support you! What a beautiful story of grace in the midst of hard. Sending you {Hugs} – because when you’ve been through this that’s just what you need!
Ginger Harrington says
Kindness can make all the difference. What a beautiful story to demonstrate this truth. So glad your husband is okay!
Alecia Simersky says
Yes, so simple, a kind word or a smile is. But the effects are long-standing.
Betsy Cruz says
So appreciate your reading this post at incourage, Alecia. Just saw your comment today. Blessings on you and your ministry.
Florence Cruz De Michaels says
Betsy, que bueno saber que el Hmno. Chepito este bien, y que Dios hayaa puesto personas tan especiales para traer paz en medio de este momento. Les queremos mucho y siempre les admiramos tanto! me encanto ver su post aca! La quiero mucho!
Betsy Cruz says
La quiero tambien, Florence. Me ha dado tanto gusto ver las fotos tan lindas de tu mama y los ninos. Es increible como Dios obra. (Aun en el hospital hay porque agradecerle!) Bendiciones.
BlessingCounter - Deb Wolf says
Betsy, I’m so glad he’s doing better. How frightening. We’ve experienced a similar time of kindness in the hospital when Rev was ill. Your post brought back many of those good memories from a very difficult time. I’m a HUGE fan of kindness. It is able to turn around the worst of days. Blessings to you!
Betsy Cruz says
Yes, Deb. Kindness can turn around the worst of days. I’m glad you had a good experience too in the hospital. Amazing how you can always find something to be grateful for!
Ifeoma Samuel says
Hi Betsy, just beautiful and heart warming. Kindness sure goes a long way.
God Bless you friend
Betsy Cruz says
Thank you for reading, friend.
Jas says
It may be a bit late to leave a comment but your post really cheered me up! I want to look like Jesus so very much, Therefore as Gods chosen people clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience – I so needed this reminder and I’m going to intentionally put this into practice ! I’m so glad your husband was alright xx
Carmen Horne says
Kindness can be so simple. You always give us practical ways to live like Jesus. Thanks friend. “Kindness is a gentle demonstration of God’s grace to us, and it’s a powerful way to share His grace with others.”